Darren Till (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

More than a few fans and observers have questioned Darren Till’s decision to fight Kelvin Gastelum in his first bout at 185. But the former welterweight contender apparently cares less about what his doubters have to say.

After being knocked out by Jorge Masvidal this past March, Till decided the time was right to move up to 185. Tonight he’ll face Gastelum in the co-main event of UFC 244.

While talking to the media recently about his doubters, the Liverpool star said this (quote via MMA Junkie):

“In my opinion he’s top three at middleweight,” Till said. “If you look at the fight he had with the now current champ Israel (Adesanya) – I got in this to fight the best. There was an opportunity to fight Kelvin and I’m taking that road. … 90 percent of people writing me off saying this could be his third loss. I could give two (expletives).”

Prior to facing Masvidal, Till (17-2-1) took on now former welterweight champ Tyron Woodley last September, and was submitted in round two.

UFC 244 will be hosted by Madison Square Garden in New York City.